Ambien

[gklouisiana]

I saw on another post where this person stated they were using ambien to sleep at night.  It was my understanding from our hep dr that ambien was really bad for the liver and was told not to take it.  Also, the dr said ambien was very addicting.  I must say it was had for my husband to get off of the ambien.  Of course, my husband is a stage 4 and that will make a difference when taking any meds because the liver is bad already.  I just hate to think that someone is taking ambien and not know that it is bad for the liver.

[APKhaos]

When subjects in the Prove 1 trial reported trouble sleeping, the clinic prescribed Ambien. I guess that makes it kosher for tx, right? As for Ambien being addictive, is there anyone around who can stay awake long enough to take enough Am to become addiced?

[FloridaMouse]

I also take Ambien.  I have a Stage 3, Grade 3 liver and the Ambien was prescribed by my GI.  I finished tx on 4/13/07 and I still use the Ambien about 3 or 4 times a week as I am  now dealing with RA from the treatment and the meds for RA cause insomnia..

Mouse

[NYCMark]

I've taken Ambien for months now on treatment. It was recommended and prescribed by my liver specialist who is treating me (and hundreds others) for HepC. It is slightly addictive as are most sleep aids. If you take them regularly, and then stop abruptly, there will be a few nights that you could have difficulty sleeping because your body has become used to them easing you to sleep. Most folks on treatment have trouble sleeping, and getting a decent night's sleep is so important!
It really depends on the stage of your particular liver disease and your addictive history (if any). Bad liver function and/or history of drug abuse = no Ambien.  I think that's how my doctor reasons it out.

Best luck,
Mark

[meki]

LMAO - Bug - you one funny gal!

Meki

[ladybug52]

I think that's wonderful that you have heard that it's not good and want to share your concern, however I know a lot here who have taken ambien to help get to sleep. I have not heard that it's really bad for the liver, but I know any meds run the risk of making our sick livers work harder. I chose not to take it because of side effects. As far as addiction....as one dr put it "Imagine that, being addicted to sleep..."
Bug

[desrt]

My job involves almost daily exposure to solvents and heavy metals no matter careful I am to use protective gear. If the worst thing I'm exposed to is 5 mg of Ambien at bedtime, it was a good day.
I agree with your doc about the addiction aspect, but there are ways around this if things like Chamomile or benadryl work for you and you can change things up occasionally. I take mine under the direction of a high dollar shrink who has known me for years and is well acquainted with my addiction history.
Thank you for your concern.

[debnevada]

my doc gave me ambien when i first started treated. Didn't work. If he has anything close to End Stage Liver Disease one must be more careful.